7 Crucial conversations to have with your kids after watching Aladdin

Aladdin the musical is making Singapore its one and only stop in Asia, so don't miss it!

If you loved Disney’s Oscar winning film, Aladdin, then you’ll definitely be spellbound by Aladdin, the Hit Broadway Musical that will land on our shores from 21 July 2019 at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands.

You grew up with this classic Disney movie, so now it’s time to let your kids be enchanted by the same characters that left you in awe all those years ago! Be serenaded by your favourite tunes like “A Whole New World”, “Friend like Me” and “Arabian Nights” (and even sing along!) with your kids by your side.

This spectacular production indeed brings A WHOLE NEW WORLD to Singapore in its broadway production scale. Be enthralled by the fantasy city of Agrabah where you will witness with your own eyes—the colourful marketplace, the lush palace of the Sultan and his princess daughter Jasmine and the legendary Cave of Wonders.

Aladdin the Musical Singapore 2019: An Electrifying Experience

You can expect a strong cast, together with a staggering 337 glittering costumes that are adorned with almost 500,000 Swarovski crystals—yes, you read that right! And, you definitely don’t want to miss it because Singapore is the one and only stop in Asia.

Apart from the glamour and grandeur, there are also many lessons to be learnt. If you’re bringing your child to watch Aladdin the musical this year, there are 7 inspiring values that your children can learn from it.

7 inspiring take aways from Aladdin the musical

1. What it means to be a strong and independent woman

Unlike typical “princess” stereotypes, where women are portrayed as weak and inferior to their male counterparts (read: damsels in distress), Jasmine, played by Shubshri Kandiah in this upcoming musical defies that notion.

A “feisty, independent, and a strong woman,” Jasmine takes an active role together with Aladdin. She uses her wit, intelligence and athleticism to get through sticky situations. (We’re not going to give away much more! No spoilers!)

Truly, Jasmine embodies these qualities and characteristics that makes for a good discussion with your little one, on the qualities he/she would like to have.

2. Standing up for what you believe in

This is one of the most important yet difficult things to do, even for adults.

In Aladdin, we see how open Jasmine is with her father about her feelings—and she ensures that she’s heard, loud and clear. Even if that means disagreeing or going against his wishes.

That’s the kind of woman/man we want our children to grow up to be. As long as it isn’t morally wrong, we want to let them know that they have a voice and that it’s okay to stand up for themselves or matters they believe in.

P.S. Status shouldn’t be a factor for love anyway, right?

Jasmine and Aladdin took centre stage with their dazzling performance at the Media preview in Singapore. | Image Via theAsianparent

3. Women are not “prizes” to be won

Performing brave acts in hopes of winning a woman over? Fat hope. Jasmine would rather leap over an alley without anyone’s help.

The message is loud and clear—women are not “prizes” to be won. At least in Jasmine’s dictionary.

And we most definitely want to avoid children growing up attuned to these “ideas”.

4. Honesty and trust in building healthy relationships

True enough, as much as the story centres around the Jasmine-Aladdin romantic relationship, like in all fairy tales, it does lead us to question its fantasy-like nature. Boy meets girl, falls in love, ends up happily ever after.

It presents a deeper inquiry: what does it take for us to put our trust in someone, and to think of developing a relationship with him/her further? Are we being too hasty before committing? How can we form and develop healthy relationships? And this isn’t limited to romantic relationships.

Even with family relationships and friendships, there are lots to take away; what it means to be a good friend, and being honest about how we feel with others. Use these as talking points with your little one.

5. Your dreams are never too far-fetched

“I’m living my dream on stage,” says Shubshri, who graduated in 2017 from The Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

She too, never thought such an opportunity to perform for “something as big as this show” or a role that was so close to her heart would come by. “That opened my eyes to possibilities.”

Additionally, Aladdin in the show dreams of living a bigger, better life and does whatever he can to obtain that.

No matter how big or small your dream is, take steps to realise it. And as the saying goes: “You’ll never know if you never try.” Besides, it’s always a good idea to allow the little ones to dream big.

6. The value of being yourself—and telling the truth

Revealing the truth is sometimes tough, at least when love is at stake for Aladdin. He refuses to reveal his true identity despite being given multiple chances by Jasmine. But you know how the truth always get revealed in the end? It’s never pretty. Still, love finds its way back to the lovebirds.

Ultimately, this teaches us—and not just young kids—that there is value in being who you are. If you are genuine, there will always be hope, and you will attract the right people who love you for who you are.

Besides, like what Genie (played by Gareth Jacobs) says, always speak the truth.

7. Life’s meant to be a ride and sometimes, that’s what makes it sweeter

Especially in the song “Proud Of Your Boy’, Graeme Isaako who plays Aladdin said: “Whether you have lost your parents, changed career, or you’ve got a different journey and you really want to aspire towards something, we can really relate to Aladdin and his journey.”

Aladdin shows us the art of falling in love, and “having this idea of wonderment”. But ultimately, it’s really up to the choices we make, that makes all the difference.

So, will you be taking your kids to watch Aladdin the musical in Singapore this year?